Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, March 10, 2014
(TERRE HAUTE) - Senior Brittani Rizzi scored 17 points, and junior Jenna Allen added a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds to lead Bedford North Lawrence to its second straight Class 4A title as the Stars defeated the Penn Kingsmen 51-41.
Bedford North Lawrence (27-1) led from start to finish, with Penn (25-2) managing to reach a tie at 5-5, 3:30 into the first quarter. The game remained nip-and-tuck until Rizzi reeled off nine points in less than two minutes spanning the third and fourth quarters to stretch the Stars lead to 40-29. The lead went to 14 in the latter stages of the contest.
Before Rizzi's run, neither team was able to string together a run or gain any momentum. Bedford North Lawrence committed 10 fouls and 10 turnovers in the first half, while Penn shot 1 of 17 to start the game and finished the half hitting 6 of 29.
Coach Damon Bailey, was prepared and kept his team focused on task.
With that focus and determination they accomplished is a 55-1 record the past two seasons and becoming only the sixth single-class or Class 4A team in Indiana girls basketball history to win back-to-back state championships (joining 1984&'85 Crown Point, '92&'93 Kokomo, '97&'98 Martinsville, 2004&'05 North Central, and '09&10 Ben Davis).
After claiming the state title BNL Senior Whitney Wilson received the 2014 Patricia L. Roy Mental Attitude Award.
It was the second straight year a BNL player earned the award. Carli Fields had the honor last year for the Lady Stars.
Wilson, who holds a 3.45 grade point average, was overwhelmed with emotion.
The award is given to an outstanding senior participant in each classification of the girls basketball state finals.The recipients of this award, who were nominated by their principals and coaches, must excel in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in basketball.
BNL took home the award three consecutive years in the 1990s with Shannon Cummings (1990), Carrie Mount (1991) and Marla Inman (1992).
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.